Duncansby Road is known for it’s sought-after fishing destination and popular beach walkway.
All during the year people gather from all over Auckland and New Zealand to fish off the rocks, take their boats out or simply go for a swim in the picturesque waters of Whale Cove.
On Monday the 24th of September, the Duncansby Road boat ramp to Whale Cove eroded away in a heavy storm that occurred overnight. The local Council closed the boat ramp off and announced there will be no further action to fix the erosion at this time.
The Council has future plans to remove the boat ramp completely and shut off the access to Whale cove from Duncansby Road.
Local residents and regular users of the Duncansby Road boat ramp are devastated as Duncansby is the only direct access to Whale Cove.
“The only other entry is Red Beach which is five minutes drive, then you still have to walk, boat or kayak back over to Whale Cove.” Duncansby Road resident and fisherman Dave Braddock explains. “Duncansby rocks is known for it’s amazing menu of fish and taking the boat ramp away is like taking away the heart of Duncansby.”
Due to the conditions of the boat ramp to get back to what it was previously the council website states it will need to undergo plenty of earthworks in small areas overtime. It will also need to undergo stabilising quickly and regularly to prevent erosion from happening again.
Tyla Berryman a crew manager for Highway Stabilizers says “I regularly go to Whale Cove to swim and surf and use the Duncansby Road access to get there. It will be such a shame if they take away the boat ramp but I understand how much maintenance it will need.” “It’s not only extremely steep but also right on the ocean exactly where the waves crash.”
Residents believe that it is their universal right and that it is necessary to fix and maintain the access to the beach.
“I will be extremely devastated if the council decides to take the boat ramp away. My father and I use that ramp at least once a week to kayak to the end of the beach and back or to take the boat out.” Local Boston David said.
“It’s appalling that the council is even considering it”. Former resident Brooke Low responded.
After receiving multiple complaints the Hibiscus Coast local board has further investigated the Duncansby Road boat ramp to find a secure and safe solution for everyone. The ramp is expected to be reopened in a couple of weeks.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10119640
Video: https://youtu.be/nluLv47F-K0
By: India Josephs
Journalist
India Josephs 